Star Wars Celebration V Ticket Prices – The Tax Man Came Early!

I’ve gotten a number of emails about the change in CV ticket pricing we had to institute this week, so I am certain there are a lot more questions from people that I have not heard from. So here is the straight scoop – We learned last week that we had to collect state and local taxes on these tickets so we added those taxes to the ticket cost.


Unfortunately, the original pricing on our site was not inclusive of the mandatory Florida state sales tax and Orange County surcharge that we must collect on all ticket sales. So we have now automatically applied that into the pricing posted on our website and made mention that the tax is built in, so you are not caught off guard during the registration process and you know exactly what the final cost will be.


I can assure you that we do not have a sliding scale throughout the months leading up to the show and ticket prices will not increase again until we are onsite. Onsite pricing is also posted on the website (both on the overview page and the tickets page). This will go into effect as soon as the show begins (August 12) both online and at the convention center. You can see the full pricing details by clicking here.


We feel terrible about any confusion, but we did not raise ticket prices whatsoever, rather we were forced to apply tax to the prices to be in compliance with state and local law. I know this is semantics in a sense, but they key is that neither we, nor our partners at Lucas are keeping any of the added ticket price, but rather paying the tax man with those bucks.


We are really sorry that this was added late, but in other states where we run large shows (NY, IL, MA, etc) we have not had to pay tax on tickets so this was a bit of a surprise to us too.


Regardless though we did not mean to cause any confusion at all and our sincerest of apologies if we did, but you have my word that ticket prices will not budge one cent from what we now have posted!


As always, send me an email, leave a comment if you have questions of any kind, I’m always available….


-Lance

Caturday: Coco Edition

We miss you, Conan.

ComicsPRO Annual Meeting this March

One of the things we pride ourselves in doing at NYCC and C2E2 is growing the business of the business. From things as simple as professional hours to as large as the Diamond Summit that'll be presented beside our show in Chicago, we want to foster growth, community, and education amid teachers, librarians, professionals, and retailers.

To this end, we're happy to spread the word about the ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting, March 24-27 in Memphis. ComicsPRO is an organization by and for retailers, publishers, distributors, and manufacturers aimed at improving the comic book industry. This year, the topics of the ComicsPRO Annual Meeting center around the future of comic book retailing -- including digital comics, changes in comic book distribution, and the growth of the direct market.

ComicsPRO invites all retailers to attend. If you're interested, you can get information at www.comicspro.org/meet10.html.

GPKISM and Seileen Play NYC and Boston For A Good Cause

Got word that the Boston and NYC stops of the J-Classical Industrial Nation Tour -- featuring GPKISM and Seileen -- will be collecting donations to raise funds for Early Breast Cancer Detection with the 1 in 8 Foundation. The 1 in 8 Foundation is an international charity organization which donates 100% of its proceeds towards local communities to fund education and research. J-Classical Industrial Nation's Boston and New York shows will be Jan. 31, and Feb. 1 respectively. The Boston show will be at the Middle East, and the New York show will be at Santos Party House. For further information, please visit www.taintedreality.net.

PAX East Wants You!

While NYCC and NYAF aren’t until October, we’re cooking up an event in March for East Coast fanboys and fangirls -- PAX East.

And, with PAX East's registration and exhibit floor already at scary sizes, the PAX team has put the call out for more volunteers. If you love gaming and love Bean Town, click over to http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=109797 for details.

Action Figure Xpress C2E2 Iron Man Exclusives

Yesterday, we showed off Diamond's exclusive Iron Man 2 "Stark Expo" Minimates set -- only available at C2E2. We mentioned, too, Action Figure Xpress was also offering an exclusive set. And, today, we're proud to show off AFX's details.

Limited to only 2,000, available only at C2E2, Action Figure Xpress's Iron Man 2 "Battle Tactics" Minimates set features Nick Fury, Racetrack Tony Stark, and Battle Damaged versions of both the Mark VI Iron Man and War Machine armors. Each Minimate stands two inches tall and includes 14 points of articulation plus removable and interchangeable parts and accessories. How much for the set? $16.00. The bragging rights, though, are priceless.

C2E2 Iron Man 2 Minimates Exclusives!

Our friends at Diamond Select Toys have revealed two exclusive Iron Man 2 Minimates that'll be only available at C2E2.

The Iron Man 2 "Stark Expo" Minimates Two-Pack features Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark and Scarlett Johannson's Natalie Romanova as they appear during the Stark Expo scenes of Iron Man 2. The cost? $8.00.

A second convention exclusive will also be available through Action Figure Xpress in the form of an Iron Man 2 Battle Tactics Minimates Box Set. This con-only set includes battle damaged versions of both Iron Man and War Machine plus Racecar Tony Stark and the Iron Man 2 Nick Fury.

Have you bought your ticket yet?

Ten New Guests. And This Is Just The Start.

C2E2's promised to bring Chicago the biggest, best show it's ever seen. And we aim to keep our promises.

Fanboys and fangirls, we're very proud to reveal ten new guests who'll be joining our existing roster already including Alex Ross, Geoff Johns, Jeff Smith, Mike Mignola, and Steve McNiven. Please give a big round of applause to...

Franco Aureliani, Jimmy Cheung, Frank Cho, Geof Darrow, David Finch, Ron Garney, Adam Hughes, Greg Land, Paul Pelletier, and Chris Ware.

We're honored and humbled that these fine gents will be spending April 16-18 with us, and we hope you're just a wee bit excited, too. And I've got a question for ya. Can you hear the sound of the drums? Keep your ear low to the ground because they're going to get louder in just about seven days. Promise.

For more on C2E2, our guests, and the show overall, click on over to www.C2E2.com.

Some PAX supplies arrived at the Penny Arcade office today...

By way of Robert Khoo.

Comics Drink-Up Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that tomorrow night, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society is sponsoring a comics benefit in NYC.

From 6-9 PM on January 27th, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society is sponsoring a night of comics all-stars at Bar Nine. Guests include Dennis Calero, Jamal Igle, and Franco. Plus raffles for signed items by Stan Lee, Jimmy Palmiotti, Darick Robertson, Mark Millar, Tony Harris, and more. It's $10 at the door.

Bar Nine is located at 807 9 Avenue.

Ten New Guests Coming Tomorrow!

Get the geek juices flowing, as C2E2's got ten new guests in the hopper, and we'll be revealing them right here tomorrow right around noon. Rumor is we may tweet them bright and early, though, so make sure you check twitter.com/c2e2 with your morning coffee. Tomorrow's guests run the gamut with some awesome capes and tights artists as well as a few awesome indie names -- including one guest Lance has been crushing on seven months. Get ready to make history!

SMILE!

NYCC friend of show Raina Telgemeier’s first full-color graphic novel, SMILE, will be in stores next week, and we’ve got the scoop for you! The book’s official release date is Tuesday, February 2, and you’ll be able to find it in most major book stores in the youth graphic novel section, which is usually near the teen graphic novels and manga. But what’s the book about? Why tell you when we can show you…



Like it? Want a little bit more? Well, Raina’s throwing a party on Saturday, February 13 from 4-6 PM at Brooklyn’s own Rocketship (208 Smith Street) comic shop. Visit http://goraina.com/?p=29 for all the details, and be sure to bring the kids!

BONUS CATURDAY!

NHK Wants Reni... And You!

Japanese TV network NHK will be filming Reni-chan's performance tomorrow in NYC. Who's Reni? NYC's own singing cosplay maid. Want to get on Japanese TV? All you need to do is attend tomorrow's show...

Jan 24 – 5 PM at Top Tunes (303-305 East 53rd Street) $10
Featuring Reni-chan plus MaeMae, Elderberry, Promise, and CD-3

Yatta!

Winter Anime Day Today

Come on out to the Winter Anime Day at Kinokuniya (1073 Ave of the Americas) from 1 to 6 PM today! Guests include Veronica Taylor, Misako Rocks!, Reni-Chan, and Mari Morimoto. Get details and the schedule at www.nyanimefestival.com

Fat Japanese Caturday Kitty Sits Like A Person

Nom.

An Evening of Archie!

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA - will be presenting an evening of Archie Comics tonight with Archie Co-President/Editor-in-Chief Victor Gorelick and Archie writer Arie Kaplan. The event kicks off tonight (January 21) at 7 PM. It's $5 for the general public and free for MoCCA members.

Arie Kaplan will also be signing copies of his award-winning book From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books.

For more, visit www.moccany.org/events.html.

Winter Anime Day at Kinokuniya

There’s short notice on this one, fanboys and fangirls, but Kinokuniya Bookstore (1073 Avenue of the Americas) is hosting a Winter Anime Day this Saturday. Taking place at Kinokuniya from 1 to 6 PM on January 23, beyond being a safe space to cosplay in the cold of winter, it’ll also shine a spotlight on a few local women who’ve made a huge impact in the manga and anime worlds…

Reni-Chan – 1 PM
Meet NYC’s own singing cosplay maid, soon to be featured in her own Japanese documentary

Veronica Taylor – 1:30 PM
The original voice of Pokemon’s Ash speaks about how she distinguished herself in the voice acting field

Misako Rocks! – 2:00 PM
Manga artist Misako Rocks! was named a Woman of the Year by Japan’s Nikkei Woman magazine

Otis Brayboy – 2:40 PM
Otis has served as an animator and storyboard artist for Doug, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more

Mari Morimoto – 3:30 PM
The translator of Naruto, Inu-Yasha, and other popular manga will speak about Female Manga Artists and the evolution of Women's Comics in Japan

Samurai Beat Radio – 4:15 PM
Join Samurai Beat Radio for a live broadcast featuring clips from Visual K artist Charlotte

Cosplay Karaoke – 5 PM
Nuff said

Raffle -- 5:45 PM
Enter all day, and be at Kinokuniya at 5:45 for your chance to win

The New York Anime Festival and New York Comic Con are contributing prizes to Kinokuniya’s Winter Anime Day, and NYAF Programming Manager Peter Tatara will act at the day’s Master of Ceremonies. Get your parka and your anime on this Saturday at Kinokuniya! Yatta!

Ink-Fusion at C2E2

C2E2 is the "Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo", but have you ever asked why we chose this name for New York Comic Con's spin-off? Sure, it sounds like R2D2, but there's more to the name than it making us think of a droid. Marvel, DC, Image, and all our friends from the comic book world will be at the show -- as will a pantheon of comics guests -- but C2E2 will be presenting something more, too. We very firmly want to celebrate the larger world of popular culture and the graphic arts. You'll be hearing news as to what this means in more posts throughout the spring, but I wanted to start off today by looking briefly at one of the non-comic graphic arts that'll be highlighted at C2E2.

We're honored to be working with artist Marc Draven to present "Ink-Fusion" at C2E2. A pavilion on our show floor, Ink-Fusion to showcase the world of body art and feature some of the best tattoo artists from around the country who'll be more than happy to spill some ink across brave attendees' skin.

The Ink-Fusion pavilion is a radical departure from traditional comics, but it's part of the wide graphical arts world that'll have a home at C2E2.

We'll have more on Ink-Fusion, C2E2's focuses, and over two dozen guests coming at you soon.

The Wait Is Over.

Leukemia Lymphoma Society Comics Benefit!

What are you up to January 27th? Want to get your drink on, hang with some comics pros, and help the Leukemia Lymphoma Society? There's only one answer to that question, really.

From 6-9 PM on January 27th, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society is sponsoring a night of comics all-stars at Bar Nine in NYC. Guests include Dennis Calero, Jamal Igle, and Franco. Plus raffles for signed items by Stan Lee, Jimmy Palmiotti, Darick Robertson, Mark Millar, Tony Harris, and more. It's $10 at the door.

Bar Nine is located at 807 9 Avenue.

Japanese TV Filming Reni Today

A reminder that Japanese TV network NHK will be filming Reni-chan's show today in NYC. Who's Reni? NYC's own singing cosplay maid. Want to get on Japanese TV? All you need to do is attend today or next week's performance...

Jan 16 – 4:30 PM at Drom (85 Avenue A) $10
Featuring Reni-chan plus Uncle Yo, Promise, CD-3, and Myu to Yu

Jan 24 – 5 PM at Top Tunes (303-305 East 53rd Street) $10
Featuring Reni-chan plus MaeMae, Elderberry, Promise, and CD-3

Yatta!

A little something from The Paley Center...

Just a photo of some fans enjoying Planet Hulk.

Sweet Deals, Chicago!

Our friends at the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau just let us in on a new program they're starting called "Sweet Deals, Chicago". Offering discounts at over 60 Chicago restaurants and other entertainment options, it's definitely worth a browse before you head to C2E2...

www.SweetDealsChicago.com/meetings

Westward Ho!

Heading out on a weeklong trek to the West Coast for some C2E2 and Celebration V business. First up is San Francisco to spend some days at the Lucasfilm offices talking Celebration V with our friends out there. Should be good as we are preparing to really tear into building the show from guests, to merch, to special features and so on. We already have some pretty exceptional things planned and we’ll know even more after this visit. Plus Lucasfilm has the best commissary ever. Form my office in Borwalk I have views of the Stop and Shop parking lot while I eat my granola bar for lunch. At Lucasfilm they have exceptional views of the Golden Gate Bridge where you eat gold dusted, diamond encrusted pizza served to you by angels.

OK, I lied about the angels. And the jewels. But the sandwiches are pretty good and the view is sick.

After SFO I’m down to Hollywood to continue some meetings that have been going on for the last year to start locking up studio content and talent for C2E2. These trips are always fun, running around Hollywood with my pals at IGN and hitting about 9 studios in 48 hours and eating tasty double double’s from In N Out in between. Hopefully I come back with some cool stuff locked down for C2E2. Stay tuned.

I better pack, 4am wake up call to make my flight….

-L

Or not...

So the blog doesn't like the previous code so much. Hop over to newsarama.com for streaming coverage.

Streaming Planet Hulk Coverage

Planet Hulk premieres tonight at the Paley Center in NY and LA. Can't make it? Watch it right here...

New York: event begins approximately 8pm EST/5pm PST

<iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=e2e3bccdeb/height=550/width=470" scrolling="no" height="550px" width="470px" frameBorder ="0" allowTransparency="true" ><a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=e2e3bccdeb" >An Evening of PLANET HULK - New York</a></iframe>

Los Angeles: event begins approximately 11pm EST/8pm PST

<iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=1799605720/height=550/width=470" scrolling="no" height="550px" width="470px" frameBorder ="0" allowTransparency="true" ><a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=1799605720" >An Evening of PLANET HULK - Los Angeles</a></iframe>

Big props go to our friends at Newsarama.

Hulk Smash!

C2E2Viral Vid #2 from It's Just Some Random Guy

It's Just Some Random Guy has done it again with his new vid. It's about time Oprah was mentioned in a viral vid.

Check on C2E2's first vid from Random Guy here, it's got 130,000 views!

Happy viewing, and oh yeah, buy a ticket to C2E2 while you're at it, Random Guy (and Oprah) would want you to. Buy em here.

-L

Blair Butler, Matt Striker, and Hulk Smash!

Thursday is the world premiere of Planet Hulk in NYC and LA, and NYCC couldn’t be happier to play a part. Together with Newsarama, we’re presenting bi-coastal screenings to select guests, press, pros, and fans – with tickets distributed via Midtown Comics, Jim Hanley’s Universe, and NewYorkComicCon.com earlier in the month. We’ve announced most of the panelists, too, but here we are on the verge of the screenings with some exciting updates.

You know that the LA event features comic book creator Jeph Loeb, Planet Hulk Supervising Director Frank Paur, Planet Hulk Supervising Producer Josh Fine, Planet Hulk screenplay writer Greg Johnson, and the voice of the Hulk, Rick D. Wasserman. What you don’t know is that G4’s Blair Butler will be appearing as well, moderating the panel!

In NYC, we’re proud to say that comic creator Greg Pak and President of Marvel Animation Eric Rollman, will be joined by Marvel Editor Mark Paniccia and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada! And, the NYC panel will be moderated by the WWE’s Matt Striker. (Yes, the WWE’s Matt Striker. Hulk smashes a whole lot of stuff, so we thought it would be kinda appropriate.)

For coverage of the NYC and LA premieres, including exclusive clips and a liveblog, make sure Newsarama.com stays front and center on your screen on Thursday!

How Big is C2E2?

I know you are all hungry for more guest announcements for C2E2 and we have a bunch lined up for you, we are just waiting to cross the I’s and dot the T’s on everything. We should have more announcements in the next 2 weeks I’m guessing.

In the meantime, I was looking over the floor plans and I think I’ve underestimated how big this show is going to be particularly Artist Alley. We’ve already got about 200 plus tables for Artist Alley (we haven’t announced them yet as we are still accepting applications and vetting the lists), which certainly makes it the biggest Artist Alley the state of Illinois has ever seen, but may also be one of the biggest ever. It’s shaping up to be larger than NYCC and we are checking our facts to see how it matches up with other cons across the country. Who so big? The Chicagoland fan boys and fan girls told us so. Throughout all of our listening tours when we visit with fans formally (focus groups) or informally (Whilst drinking a 312) we heard that you wanted a big artist alley, filled with established creators and up and comers. Well here you go Chi Town!

We have also officially surpassed the size of the first New York Comic Con for the exhibitors. We are already over 35,000 paid square feet of exhibitors (first NYCC was like 32,000), that’s big. I know square feet is trade show talk, but you can imagine how big 35,000 square feet is and that is JUST booths. That does not count the aisles, the stages, Artist Alley and all the other stuff you see all over the show floor. Seriously that’s pretty sick guys. Check out the latest exhibitor list here (I think this is pretty updated).

All in all, C2E2 is shaping up to be the biggest thing to hit the shores of Lake Michigan since the time Ditka came to Solider Field on a Jet Ski.

-L

Planet Hulk Premieres On Your Computer Screen!

On Thursday, January 14th, Newsarama and NYCC are co-presenting a bi-coastal screening and panel celebrating the debut of the Planet Hulk animated feature. But what if you're not in NYC or LA? Newsarama and NYCC will be bringing the event into the homes of Hulk fans around the world.

Beyond the physical events, we'll together digitally premiere the first official extended clip from the movie, followed by live, real time coverage of both the New York and Los Angeles panels, and we'd like fans everywhere with a comic book, film, or animation website, blog or forum to share in the coverage.

Any fan with a website, large or small, will be able to stream this exclusive scene during its online premiere and follow along with the New York and LA panels in real time, debuting the clip and the coverage simultaneously with Newsarama.com and NewYorkComicCon.com.

To be a part of this global, digital event, send an email to planethulk@nycomiccon.com before 12am EST on Thursday, Jan. 14 with your website’s name, URL, and short description. Websites will receive an HTML code for placement on their sites later in the day on Jan 14. As long as you've got the code on your site, you'll be streaming the coverage.

Digital coverage of the NYC event begins at approximately 8pm EST/5pm PST. Online coverage of the LA event starts at approximately 11pm EST/8pm PST.

Be a part of the Planet Hulk premiere from the safety of your computer screen. Planet Hulk and Bunny Slippers. Could it get any better?

C2E2 in the Palm of your Hand – The Official iPhone Ap

That’s right gang, we have joined the ranks of the tech savvy youth of our country with the official C2E2 iPhone ap. It’s pretty sweet I must say. The home page has a second by second countdown clock to the show, you’ll be able to get news whenever we add a guest, and when we get a little closer to the show you’ll have an interactive floor plan, schedule and it will wash you dishes for you.

I lied, it won’t wash your dishes. But I might if you download the new ap!

Go grab it now in the Apple Store by searching on C2E2 or I’m told you can - download it here.

-L

Superglorious Celebrates 2010 with a Free Show!

Our friends at Superglorious -- who've co-presented musical guests at NYAF for the past two years -- are kicking off 2010 with a free show for all their fans in NYC.

Superglorious's first 2010 event will be held at Spike Hill in Williamsburg on January 14 and features five bands plus a DJ...

Me & Mars: www.myspace.com/metomars
Libel: www.myspace.com/libelmusic
Houston Bros.: www.houstonsmusic.com
Sakura Madams: www.myspace.com/sakuramadams
Superfortress: www.myspace.com/superfortress
and DJ Zivist

Spike Hill (www.spikehill.com) is located at 184/186 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The show begins at 8 PM sharp on January 14! 21 plus with ID. And, remember, it's free!

For more details, visit www.superglorious.com/free-fun-for-the-new-year!

See Reni! Be on Japanese TV!

Reni-chan is NYC's own singing cosplay maid, and since debuting, she's made some major waves, appearing at cons across the country and attracting attention in her native Japan. And, now, Japanese TV network NHK is shooting a documentary on her.

Want to get on Japanese TV? All you need to do is attend one of Reni's upcoming shows...

Jan 16 – 4:30 PM at Drom (85 Avenue A) $10
Featuring Reni-chan plus Uncle Yo, Promise, CD-3, and Myu to Yu

Jan 24 – 5 PM at Top Tunes (303-305 East 53rd Street) $10
Featuring Reni-chan plus MaeMae, Elderberry, Promise, and CD-3

Yatta!

A Bug In the C2E2 Digital Bed

Hey guys, we have been having problems with the Reed servers for a couple of weeks now. So if you are seeing that the C2E2 site is not functioning in all its glory, we are sorry. We know there is an issue and have people working on it. Unfortunately, this is a big company which means you can insert a joke about how many corporate staffers does it take to change a light bulb here. We are going to migrate the site to a new server this week so we hope all will be back in order but in the short term, some links and forms aren’t working properly

Sorry for the hassle gang.

-L

The Gun Show – Larry and Brian in the UFC Octagon

We had a big meeting of the ReedPop minds on Friday with the entire team going off site to drink and talk about the shows (PAX, PAX East, NYCC, C2E2, Star Wars Celebration, NYAF, UFC Fan Expo - you know them). And this little piece of artwork came out of it. It’s a pretty hot picture of Larry Settembrini and Brian Stephenson from the team, however, do not overlook The oracle of Cool there at the bottom, Mark Fitch. It may be the only time you ever see him drinking a domestic light beer.

Brian and Larry in the Octagon at our next team meeting.

-L

C2E2 Panel Submissions Due Tomorrow!

Want to host a panel or screening at C2E2? You've only got a few more hours to get in an application. C2E2 panel and screening submissions are due January 11th. After that, table that idea for next year. But you don't wanna table that idea, you wanna present it at C2E2 2010.

So, send in your ideas now!

Caturday!

So, Larry, Brian, and -- I'm pretty sure -- SWCV's Mike had a meeting yesterday to talk about relaunching their Metal Monday to compete with Lance, Kim, and my Caturday. Honestly, we don't get what they have against kitties, but if they just want to see more music on the blog, I'm sure this'll make everybody happy.



Kudos to Jim for recommending it.

Yume Cosplay Prize Comes To Anime Matsuri

Do you dream of going to Japan? Well, how'd you like to make that dream come true -- as that's exactly what NYAF is doing with the Yume Cosplay Prize (www.YumeCosplay.com). A cosplay masquerade unlike any other, its winners take home a week-long trip to Japan and VIP tickets to the Tokyo Anime Fair.

NYAF's 2009 winners were Yaya Han and Anna Raper, who'll be traveling to Tokyo shortly for this year's TAF, and we're already putting our 2010 contest together. The Yume Cosplay Prize's finals take place this October in NYC as part of the New York Anime Festival, but there's no need to wait to enter, as NYAF and the Yume Cosplay Prize are coming to select convention across the country in the Spring and Summer.

We hosted a regional at MetroCon late last year, and we're proud to reveal our next regional contest will be at Anime Matsuri (www.animematsuri.com), April 2-4, 2010 in Woodlands, TX. The winners of Anime Matsuri's masquerade will win two tickets to NYC and guaranteed entry into the Yume finals -- where they'll compete for a trip to Japan!

Live in the South West? Wanna go to Tokyo? Start putting your costume together and get down to Anime Matsuri!

Raise a Glass to Steve Rosato! Really, How About 2/3 in San Jose?

We announced yesterday that Steve Rosato from the BEA team is taking over the controls of the mighty ship, USS BookExpo. I could not be more thrilled for Steve who has been on the show for almost a decade and frankly, made me look more competent than I actually was while I was "running" the show the last 3 plus years.

Steve is the right man for this job and beyond that he's a good guy and a friend. Steve taught me the trade show business when I showed up at Reed in April of 2006, hired to run a show I'd attended as a bookseller, but had never thought of as an entity that needed running. I learned quickly at Steve's feet that yup, massive trade shows take just a smidge of planning. Steve taught me what I needed to know or was able to learn and then took charge of so much of the job that was not my strength. Through that process I came to respect Steve a great deal and gained a good friend.

A big part of overseeing BEA or any show really, is being visible and being out in the community you are serving which oftens means a lot of travel. That put Steve and I, especially in the first year or so, on the road together a lot which is some of the most fun we've had. From getting lost late one night in London after a jet lag fueled pub crawl or Steve losing his passport in countless airports or Steve piloting a rented car on the auto bahn in Germany during a rail strike or the infamous "man wallet" incident in Birmingham which only he and I will ever know the real story behind, we great times together and I know I've learned a ton from him. I'm amazingly excited for him to be taking over the wheel at BEA and more so, it will be good for the show and our biz.

He and I get one more BEA field trip together as we are going to hit the road to San Jose for the ABA's Winter Institute next month. Anyone who's reading this that wants to hook up, how about Wednesday night? I'm buying the beers and the first toast is to Steve.

Congrats Steve.

-L

George Lucas on The Daily Show

This is a great clip and it begs the question, is Jon Stewart really a huge SW fan? Me thinks he is as he strikes me as a pretty genuine guy and he did come with his family to New York Comic Con last year just to hang out. My head is filling with curious thoughts around just what kind of fun could be had with something like this........

-L

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
George Lucas
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Year-Long Free Korean Movie Series in NYC

Our friends at Subway Cinema just tipped us off to a year-long film series put on by the Korean Cultural Service in Manhattan. From January 12 until December 14, the Korean Cultural Service will be screening free films every other Tuesday night at the Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal).

Films will be screened in the best format available (some will be 35mm, some will be digiBeta). All screenings start at 7 PM.

Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Or if you want to guarantee a seat, just RSVP to info@koreanculture.org or call 212-759-9550.

The first upcoming films in the series...

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 @ 7pm
DAY TIME DRINKING (2008, 116 minutes, New York Premiere)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 @ 7pm
MEMBER OF THE FUNERAL (2008, 99 minutes, North American Premiere)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 @ 7pm
BEAUTIFUL (2008, 88 minutes, New York Premiere)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 @ 7pm
BREATHLESS (2009, 131 minutes)

C2E2 Panel Submissions - Due January 11th!

Want to host a panel or screening at C2E2? You've only got a few more days to get in an application. C2E2 panel and screening submissions are due January 11th. After that, table that idea for next year. But you don't wanna table that idea, you wanna present it at C2E2 2010.

So, send in your ideas now!

Planet Hulk Ticket Giveaway Ends at Midnight!

Do you live in NYC or LA and want to hang out with Greg Pak, Rick D. Wasserman, and Jeph Loeb? Well, you've got until midnight tonight for a chance to meet these fine folks -- and plenty of others -- at the Newsarama and New York Comic Con Planet Hulk screenings on January 14th.

Click here to sign up...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Events/Planet-Hulk/

We're picking the winners tomorrow, so enter before it's too late to take in an evening of big, green, animated awesomeness!

Two Coasts! One Night! Hulk Smash!

Time Ends Tonight!

Doctor Who: The End of Time - Part 2 premieres tonight on BBC America. This is it, fanboys and fangirls, David Tennant's final outing as The Doctor. Gather your loved ones, grab a box of tissues, and prepare a pint of ice cream for when it's over.

I'll be right there crying along with you.